Johor Bahru (Malaysia): Shilanand Lakra (15th & 43rd minutes) scored twice as the Indian junior men’s team continued to impress at the VIIIth Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament as they notched up their second successive win here, Sunday when they thrashed New Zealand 7-1.
The other goal scorers for India were Prabhjot Singh (sixth minute), Harmanjit Singh (21st), Md Faraz (23rd), Abhishek (50th) and skipper Mandeep Mor (60th) while Sam Hiha (53rd) struck the only New Zealand goal.
Last year’s bronze medallists India got off to an attacking start as Prabhjot’s fine goal put New Zealand on the back foot. Shilanand, who had made his senior debut earlier this year at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, capitalised on a good assist to put the ball past the New Zealand custodian to double the lead.
Keeping the pressure on the New Zealanders, India scored back-to-back goals, first through a Harmanjit field goal then Faraz’s fabulously struck penalty corner. The third quarter could have gone goalless had Shilanand not scored the fifth Indian goal.
Abhishek made the scores 6-0 in favour of India before New Zealand managed to score a consolation goal. However, it was the Indian skipper Mandeep who wrapped the game with a smartly converted PC.
India will next take on Japan in their third match, Tuesday.
